Developed by US company Corgenix, the rapid test searches the blood for a different part of the virus and gives a definitive result in fifteen minutes.
"While less accurate, the antigen test is rapid, easy to perform and does not require electricity," the WHO says.
"It can therefore be used at lower health care facilities or in mobile units for patients in remote settings."
It added that, where possible, the results from the rapid test should be confirmed by the more precise conventional testing.
Current Ebola testing requires a laboratory to analyse the blood for fragments of the virus's genetic material, a procedure which could take between 12 and 24 hours to get a definitive answer.
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